Sold out of The Wave? Five backups that don’t need the lottery
The Wave caps entry at 64 people a day, and in popular months the advance lottery runs in the low single digits. If you didn’t win — most people don’t — the good news is that the same corner of the Southwest is full of comparable rock with far kinder access.
Easier permits nearby
Coyote Buttes South has the same wavy, banded sandstone as its famous neighbor, with a permit that’s meaningfully easier to win. Buckskin Gulch, one of the longest slot canyons on earth, uses simple day-use permits.
These aren’t consolation prizes — they’re destinations people travel for on their own merits.
No-permit options
White Pocket delivers surreal, brain-like rock with no permit at all; you just need a high-clearance vehicle or a guided tour to reach it. Many visitors who miss The Wave end up rating White Pocket just as highly.
Play the daily geo-lottery
If your heart is set on The Wave, build flex days into your trip and enter the daily geo-lottery from within the zone. Its odds are frequently better than the advance draw, particularly midweek and off-season.
Frequently asked questions
Is Coyote Buttes South really similar?
Yes — the same geology, formations like The Second Wave, and a far higher chance of winning a permit.
Can I see White Pocket without a permit?
Yes. White Pocket needs no permit; access is the only hurdle, so plan for a capable vehicle or a tour.